Alexander Nevsky Thinks He’s HERCULES

A couple of weeks ago I told you that “Hancock” director Peter Berg was developing a new film based on the mythical strongman Hercules for Universal. Here’s the story in case you need to be reminded. Now it seems that Russian producer, actor and bodybuilder Alexander Nevsky wants to go Greek as well.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nevsky is seeking to star in and produce a low-budget project called “Hercules: The Beginning.” The film has been budgeted at around 12 million and is being shepherded by Nevsky’s Hollywood Storm Production Company.

Now, I believe I mentioned that Hercules has had a rather corny and checkered history on the screen – Kevin Sorbo, Lou Ferrigno, need I say more? It sounded like Peter Berg was trying to class-up the subject with his film, but if he has to deal with yet another low-budget, camp-version hitting the market first – how long will it be before his plans for the hero are shelved? A rising star like Berg doesn’t want to get beaten to the myth by a Russian “Conan” wannabe.